January 12, 2026 - Shelbyville students Maddie Lout, Travis Caporali, and Kennedy McArthur competed in the UIL State Congress competition held Jan. 7–8 at the University of Texas at Austin.
According to the University Interscholastic League, Congress is a mock legislative assembly in which contestants draft and research legislation addressing real-world social and political issues. During the competition, students deliver speeches and debate proposed bills within their chambers.
All three Shelbyville competitors advanced to the second day of the tournament after placing in the top three of their respective chambers. Eighteen students advanced overall to compete at the Texas State Capitol.
Kennedy McArthur placed seventh in the state competition, Travis Caporali earned a sixth-place state medal, and Maddie Lout secured a second-place state medal.
The Shelbyville Speech and Debate team is coached by Emily Sowell and Crystal Harrison.
